Cathi was looking out the kitchen window and saw a Ground Hog (AKA "Woodchuck") being bothered by one of many local feline nuisances that neighbors allow to roam free.  Cathi dashed outside and chased the cat away and ran in for her camera.  The Ground Hog (his name is Woody, as is any Ground Hog that comes to 1002) was so thankful that the cat was gone, he showed his appreciation by posing for a few close-ups for Cathi.

We have always had a "Woody" that visits us. We usually see one beginning in the late summer searching for food to start readying for hibernation. There used to be a pear tree in a neighbor's yard, but that was cut down a few years ago. Now it's the apples from the tree in our yard that are the treats. We hope this trend continues and when we see Woody we always say hello.